Objective: Complementary and integrative medicine CIM is acknowledged in more and more oncology-care centers as part of supportive and palliative cancer care. In this study, we assess the impact of multi-disciplinary EOL training on cultural-diverse groups of CIM-trained healthcare practitioners HCPs working in integrative oncology care settings in Germany and Israel.
Methods: The authors co-designed an evidence-based patient-centered EOL-training curriculum incorporating palliative and CIM concepts of care. Qualitative assessment of the EOL-training impact on trainees was assessed 4-month post-intervention. Results: Post-training narrative assessment was reported by 18 German and 14 Israeli HCPs comprising 10 physicians, 12 nurses and paramedical practitioners, and 10 CIM therapists and spiritual care-providers.
Content analysis of post-training outcomes suggested participants' attitude-change regarding their professional role in EOL care as individuals and as members of a team. Participants acquired practical clinical tools to enhance EOL care and to better communicate with patients about death, implementing a patient-centered, cultural-sensitive approach. Multidisciplinary and international training settings emphasize a cross-cultural perspective and enrich the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model of palliative care.
Keywords: Anthroposophic medicine; Doctor-patient communication; End of life; Integrative oncology; Palliative care; Psycho-oncology. Abstract Objective: Complementary and integrative medicine CIM is acknowledged in more and more oncology-care centers as part of supportive and palliative cancer care.
